The Chicago Bears were one of the many teams that took advantage of the UFL ending their season by looking at their players.
This week, the Bears signed Columbus Aviators linebacker Tony Fields II and Houston Gamblers wide receiver Kaden Davis. While Davis might be familiar with Bears head coach Ben Johnson, Bleacher Report writer Kristopher Knox thinks fans should keep their eyes on Fields as an impact player going into training camp.
"The Columbus Aviators didn't fare particularly well in their inaugural UFL season, finishing just 3-7 on the year. However, linebacker Tony Fields II did have a good first UFL campaign, which has landed him another opportunity in the NFL. Fields finished this past season with 77 total tackles—second in the UFL—five tackles for loss, and a sack. Earlier this week, the 27-year-old signed a contract with the Chicago Bears."
"With the Bears looking to overhaul a defense that ranked 29th overall in 2025, Fields should get a fair chance to stick in the linebacker room."
Tony Fields might be able to impact the Bears' linebacker room
T.J. Edwards is working his way back from surgery, as he was back at practice in OTAs, and D'Marco Jackson had an injury scare at mandatory OTAs that has some wondering what his status is. Chicago did not have a great experience with linebackers last year as they dealt with injuries with pretty much every one of them.
Fields has a major advantage over some of the other linebackers on the team since he has been playing at game speed over the last three months in the UFL. The Bears could be looking to him to set the tone early in training camp, which starts in over a month.
Chicago needs depth at linebacker,a reliable tackler, and someone who can stay on the field. While Fields played well in the UFL, he still has an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, as he will have to get it done on special teams.
Read more: 4 Bears players whose stock fell right to the bottom after OTAs
Look for Fields to be an early candidate to be on the practice squad when the 2026 season rolls around, but last season was a reminder that because someone is on the practice squad, it doesn't mean they are not going to see the field at all. Fields has a strong shot at still playing in Chicago this year.